A November snowstorm, the most severe in over fifty years, struck South Korea’s capital, Seoul, on Wednesday, causing significant disruptions to air travel and commuter traffic.
According to South Korea’s meteorological agency, northern parts of Seoul and surrounding areas received 20 centimetres (7.8 inches) of snow. This snowstorm is the heaviest in Seoul since a storm on 28 November 1972, which brought 12 centimetres (4.7 inches) of snow. The Yonhap news agency reported a fatal five-vehicle accident in the eastern town of Hongcheon, resulting in one death and four injuries.
The snowstorm impacted much of the nation, with central, eastern, and southwestern regions experiencing between 10 and 23 centimetres (3.9 to 9 inches) of snowfall. Nationwide, over 220 flights were either cancelled or delayed, and approximately 90 ferries were grounded. Authorities also closed hundreds of hiking trails for safety reasons.
Icy roads caused significant delays for morning commuters in Seoul, while emergency workers dealt with fallen trees, signs, and other hazards across the country. The meteorological agency forecasted that snow would continue to fall in most areas until Thursday noon.
In response to the storm, President Yoon Suk Yeol directed the safety and transport ministries to deploy all available personnel and equipment to prevent traffic accidents and other snow-related incidents. He also instructed officials to promptly disseminate weather and traffic updates to the public to minimise snow-related disruptions and hazards, according to the presidential office.
Frances Ibiefo
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